Mexico stunned the World Cup with their 1-0 win over reigning champions Germany in the opening round of Group F fixtures. Thanks to some exceptional counter-attacking play they gave themselves a good chance not only of once again reaching the second round, but of winning the group. However, against South Korea they faced an entirely different type of challenge.
Whereas Germany dominated the ball, South Korea were much happier to sit back and counter Mexico. Thus, Juan Carlos Osorio’s side would have to demonstrate quality in other areas of their game, primarily in possession and in defensive transition.
Having kicked off their own campaign with a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Sweden, South Korea knew that defeat here would essentially put an end to their World Cup hopes. There was, therefore, a lot at stake by the time these two teams met.
LINE-UPS
Mexico lined up in a basic 4-2-3-1 formation. Their only change of personnel came in the defensive line, where Edson Alvarez came in on the right-hand side of the back four. Carlos Salcedo moved in from right-back to centre-back to allow for Alvarez’s inclusion, while Hugo Ayala was left out.
South Korea opted for a change of system. Having utilised a 4-5-1 against Sweden, they went with a 4-4-1-1 in this match. Son Heung-min was supported up front initially by Lee Jae-sung, while Ju Se-jong stepped into central midfield alongside Ki Sung-yueng. Elsewhere, Moon Seon-min came in on the wing, enabling Son to take up a more central attacking role, and Kim Min-woo started at left-back in place of the injured Park Joo-ho.
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